Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe

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Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe

This sweet, tangy homemade BBQ sauce is gently smoky, and easy to make with simple pantry ingredients. It simmers into a glossy, flavorful sauce that works well for ribs, chicken, burgers, meatloaf, meatballs, pulled pork, and more.

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Servings

Calories 27kcal

Author Jennifer

Equipment

1 sauce pan
1 whisk
1 airtight jar

Ingredients

1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon molasses
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard optional
hot sauce to spice level optional
2 to 4 tablespoons water as needed

Instructions

Add all ingredients (ketchup, tomato sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, molasses, honey, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, optional ground mustard, and optional hot sauce) and 2 tablespoons water to a medium saucepan.
Whisk until smooth.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15 to 25 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce is glossy and slightly thickened.
Taste and adjust as needed. Add more honey or brown sugar for sweetness, a splash more vinegar for tang, more water for a thinner sauce, or a pinch more salt if the flavor tastes flat.
Let the sauce cool slightly before using. It will thicken more as it cools.

Nutrition